Implementing a Research Data Policy at Leiden University

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the various stages of the institution-wide project that lead to the adoption of the data management policy at Leiden University in 2016. We illustrate this process by highlighting how we have involved all stakeholders. Each organisational unit was represented in the project teams. Results were discussed in a sounding board with both academic and support staff. Senior researchers acted as pioneers and raised awareness and commitment among their peers. By way of example, we present pilot projects from two faculties. We then describe the comprehensive implementation programme that will create facilities and services that must allow implementing the policy as well as monitoring and evaluating it. Finally, we will present lessons learnt and steps ahead. The engagement of all stakeholders, as well as explicit commitment from the Executive Board, has been an important key factor for the success of the project and will continue to be an important condition for the steps ahead.

Advancing Scholarship through the Research Data Program

“…These two publications over the past decade document the development of a variety of different types of data and research data management (RDM) services in academic libraries. A sampling of articles profiles institutions such as Cornell University (Steinhart, 2009), The Georgia Institute of Technology (Walters, 2009), Leiden University (Schoots, Sesink, Verhaar, & Frederiks, 2017), Penn State University Libraries (Hswe et al, 2011), the University of Porto (Ribeiro & Fernandes, 2011), as well as recurring articles from the University of Edinburgh (Rice & Haywood, 2011;Rice et al, 2013) and Oxford University (Wilson, Martinez-Uribe, Fraser, & Jeffreys, 2011;Rumsey & Jefferies, 2013;Wilson & Jeffreys, 2013), which illustrate the evolution of their services over time. Thus the data services developing at the Harvard Business School continue a rich and active history and illustrate the current momentum in the field.…”